Type into any search engine the word \"success\" and you probably get a few definitions. Next, click on the images tab while performing your search. I bet there are pictures of people raising their hands in the air, people summiting breathtaking mountains, and winning footraces. One of my favorite images of the word, which has been over-used and clichéd, is the image of an iceberg. The tip of the giant sits above the water and is clearly visible in all its glistening glory, symbolizing victory. But the meat of the mass, symbolizing hard work and sacrifice, sits below the surface, naked to the public eye. It's this hidden section that is clearly responsible for the visible part of the ice. Rather than see my involvement with this sport as a series of icebergs or conquests, I like to treat this sport as more of a timeline of lessons and adventures.

The Icebreaker and the Introduction

I am a hard-working Midwest athlete from Des Moines, IA who didn\'t know that it was possible to go to college for a softball scholarship until the process was thrust upon my lap. Being a die-hard Iowa Hawkeye all of my life, playing for the Hawks and wearing the black and gold was exactly what I hoped for when my recruiting process started. I had the joy and luck of playing for softball legend, Gayle Blevins who increased my softball IQ by leaps and bounds. By my senior year, I was exploring professional softball playing options beyond college. Although I had options to remain in the USA and play professionally, I decided to play in Italy with the hopes of playing for the Italian National Team. My grandfather was born in Sant\'Arcangelo di Romagna, Italy, and I was eligible for dual citizenship.